List of Counties in South Carolina
South Carolina has 46 counties. The most populous counties are Greenville County, Richland County (Columbia), Charleston County, Horry County (Myrtle Beach), Spartanburg County, Lexington County, York County, Berkeley County, Anderson County, and Beaufort County. Greenville County is the largest by population and serves as a major economic hub in the Upstate region. Richland County, home to the state capital Columbia, and Charleston County, home to the historic city of Charleston, are also highly populous and important centers for government, education, and tourism.
List of All Counties in South Carolina
- Abbeville County, South Carolina
- Aiken County, South Carolina
- Allendale County, South Carolina
- Anderson County, South Carolina
- Bamberg County, South Carolina
- Barnwell County, South Carolina
- Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Berkeley County, South Carolina
- Calhoun County, South Carolina
- Charleston County, South Carolina
- Cherokee County, South Carolina
- Chester County, South Carolina
- Chesterfield County, South Carolina
- Clarendon County, South Carolina
- Colleton County, South Carolina
- Darlington County, South Carolina
- Dillon County, South Carolina
- Dorchester County, South Carolina
- Edgefield County, South Carolina
- Fairfield County, South Carolina
- Florence County, South Carolina
- Georgetown County, South Carolina
- Greenville County, South Carolina
- Greenwood County, South Carolina
- Hampton County, South Carolina
- Horry County, South Carolina
- Jasper County, South Carolina
- Kershaw County, South Carolina
- Lancaster County, South Carolina
- Laurens County, South Carolina
- Lee County, South Carolina
- Lexington County, South Carolina
- Marion County, South Carolina
- Marlboro County, South Carolina
- McCormick County, South Carolina
- Newberry County, South Carolina
- Oconee County, South Carolina
- Orangeburg County, South Carolina
- Pickens County, South Carolina
- Richland County, South Carolina
- Saluda County, South Carolina
- Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Sumter County, South Carolina
- Union County, South Carolina
- Williamsburg County, South Carolina
- York County, South Carolina
Largest Counties in South Carolina
1. Horry County
Overview
Horry County is the largest county in South Carolina, covering 1,255 square miles in the northeastern part of the state. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina to the north, and Marion County to the west. Established in 1801 and named after Revolutionary War hero Peter Horry, the county is known for its booming tourism industry, centered around the famous Myrtle Beach area. Horry County’s economy is driven by tourism, hospitality, and retail, with millions of visitors flocking to its beaches, golf courses, and entertainment attractions. The inland areas of the county also feature agriculture, with a focus on crops like tobacco and soybeans.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 351,000
- County Seat: Conway
- Major Airports: Myrtle Beach International Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 501, South Carolina Highway 31
2. Charleston County
Overview
Charleston County is located in the southeastern part of South Carolina and covers 1,358 square miles, making it one of the largest counties by land area. The county is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Berkeley County to the north, and Colleton County to the west. Established in 1769, Charleston County is named after Charles II of England. The county seat, Charleston, is one of the most historically significant cities in the United States, known for its role in the American Revolution and Civil War. The county’s economy is diverse, with tourism, port activity, military installations, and healthcare playing major roles. Charleston’s charm, historic architecture, and coastal location make it a top tourist destination.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 421,000
- County Seat: Charleston
- Major Airports: Charleston International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 26, U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 52
3. Berkeley County
Overview
Berkeley County is located in southeastern South Carolina, covering 1,229 square miles. It is bordered by Charleston County to the south, Dorchester County to the west, and Georgetown County to the northeast. The county was established in 1882 and named after Sir William Berkeley, a colonial governor of Virginia. Berkeley County is known for its mix of rural and suburban areas, with Moncks Corner serving as the county seat. The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and forestry, but in recent years, it has grown to include manufacturing, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors, and port-related logistics due to its proximity to Charleston.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 232,000
- County Seat: Moncks Corner
- Major Airports: Charleston International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 26, U.S. Highway 17A, U.S. Highway 52
4. Lexington County
Overview
Lexington County is located in central South Carolina and spans 758 square miles. It is bordered by Richland County to the east, Aiken County to the west, and Saluda County to the northwest. The county was formed in 1785 and named after the Battle of Lexington, one of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Lexington County is a rapidly growing area, with a strong suburban character due to its proximity to Columbia, the state capital. The county’s economy is diverse, with manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail being key sectors. Lake Murray, a large man-made reservoir, is a major recreational and residential area within the county.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 300,000
- County Seat: Lexington
- Major Airports: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 20, Interstate 26, U.S. Highway 1, U.S. Highway 378
5. Richland County
Overview
Richland County, located in the central part of South Carolina, covers 757 square miles. It is bordered by Lexington County to the west, Fairfield County to the north, and Sumter County to the southeast. The county was established in 1785 and is home to Columbia, the state capital, which also serves as the county seat. Richland County is a major hub for government, education, and military, with Fort Jackson being the largest U.S. Army training base. The economy is diverse, with sectors like healthcare, government, higher education, and retail driving growth. The presence of the University of South Carolina also significantly contributes to the local economy and culture.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 420,000
- County Seat: Columbia
- Major Airports: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 20, Interstate 26, Interstate 77, U.S. Highway 1
6. Aiken County
Overview
Aiken County is located in southwestern South Carolina, covering 1,080 square miles. It is bordered by Georgia to the west across the Savannah River, Lexington County to the east, and Barnwell County to the south. Established in 1871, Aiken County was named after William Aiken, a South Carolina politician and railroad president. The county’s economy has been shaped by agriculture, manufacturing, and the presence of the Savannah River Site, a major nuclear facility. Aiken County is known for its equestrian culture, particularly in the city of Aiken, which has a long history of horse racing, polo, and thoroughbred breeding.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 170,000
- County Seat: Aiken
- Major Airports: Augusta Regional Airport (nearby in Georgia)
- Major Highways: Interstate 20, U.S. Highway 1, U.S. Highway 78
7. Greenville County
Overview
Greenville County is located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, covering 795 square miles. It is bordered by Spartanburg County to the east, Anderson County to the south, and North Carolina to the north. Established in 1786, the county was named after General Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War hero. Greenville County is one of the fastest-growing and most populous counties in the state, with Greenville serving as a major economic and cultural hub for the Upstate region. The county’s economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, with numerous multinational companies establishing their headquarters or operations in the area. The scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lie just to the north of the county, adding to its appeal for both residents and tourists.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 523,000
- County Seat: Greenville
- Major Airports: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 85, Interstate 385, U.S. Highway 29, U.S. Highway 276
8. Spartanburg County
Overview
Spartanburg County, located in northwestern South Carolina, covers 819 square miles. It is bordered by Cherokee County to the east, Union County to the south, and North Carolina to the north. The county was established in 1785 and named after the Spartan Regiment, a local militia that fought in the Revolutionary War. Spartanburg County is an important manufacturing hub, with industries such as automotive (including BMW’s manufacturing plant), textiles, and logistics playing significant roles. Spartanburg’s economy has also diversified in recent years to include healthcare, education, and retail. The county’s location along major highways and its proximity to Greenville have contributed to its rapid growth and economic development.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 327,000
- County Seat: Spartanburg
- Major Airports: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 26, Interstate 85, U.S. Highway 29, U.S. Highway 221
9. Anderson County
Overview
Anderson County is located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, covering 757 square miles. It is bordered by Pickens County to the north, Greenville County to the northeast, and Georgia to the southwest across Lake Hartwell. The county was established in 1826 and named after Revolutionary War hero Robert Anderson. Anderson County is part of the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin metropolitan area and is known for its manufacturing and automotive industries. The county is also home to Anderson University, and the large man-made Lake Hartwell is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and tourism. Agriculture, particularly cattle farming and poultry, remains an important part of the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 204,000
- County Seat: Anderson
- Major Airports: Anderson Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 85, U.S. Highway 29, U.S. Highway 76
10. Orangeburg County
Overview
Orangeburg County, located in central South Carolina, covers 1,128 square miles. It is bordered by Calhoun County to the north, Dorchester County to the east, and Bamberg County to the south. The county was established in 1769 and named after William IV, Prince of Orange, who was married to Anne, daughter of King George II. Historically, Orangeburg County’s economy has been based on agriculture, particularly cotton, corn, and soybeans. Today, agriculture remains important, but the county has diversified to include manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Orangeburg is home to South Carolina State University, a historically black university, and Claflin University.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 84,000
- County Seat: Orangeburg
- Major Airports: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 26, U.S. Highway 301, U.S. Highway 178